Democrats will drown in the blue wave if they don’t understand where it comes from. Heading into the Massachusetts Democratic Convention, there is a sea of discontent with establishment Democrats, which activists propose to fix with more progressive ideology. Yet if ideology was all that mattered, why is Republican Governor Read more…
Grassroots Activism: Are You Pestering, Ghosting, or Relationship-Building? Grassroots Activism: How much contact is too much contact with politicians? What’s your level of grassroots activism with politicians and decision-makers? Do you call the same lawmaker every week? Do you just show up for a lobby day and then disappear from Read more…
People often ask how they can persuade lawmakers on the other side of an issue or decision-makers who don’t represent them. It’s possible, but involves second-degree advocacy. For students and supporters of March for Our Lives there are three strategies that can flip lawmakers on gun control. In the Read more…
Ever wondered why some activists seem to have more luck not only getting a response from a politician, but actually seem able to persuade them to vote one way or another? As reported by Wired, the OpenGov Foundation’s latest report shows Congressional offices pay attention to callers who seem to Read more…
Sure, “decisions are made by those who show up”, but decision-makers are influenced by who speaks up. If you’re a voter in town, you have every right to have your say. But how do you make sure you’re persuasive? Just about every proposal needs a public hearing, regardless of where Read more…
It used to be I caught up on my friends’ and relatives’ headlines thru Facebook but lately I find myself absorbing the toxicity of the latest, subtle addiction to grab hold of our nation: perpetual outrage. Sometime in the last year Facebook went from a platform for posting family photos Read more…
The Left must disavow Anarchists. Not because of a false equivalency with white supremacists, but because their tactics are completely counterproductive. What’s the purpose of a rally? Showing politicians a broad base of support for policies? Persuading voters watching from home to join them in pressuring their elected officials? Showing Read more…
Political activism is trending in the U.S. and there’s no shortage of tips and tactics out there. The problem with diving straight into tactics – without understanding the rules of the political engagement – is that new activists can sabotage their own efforts. It’s like building a house starting with Read more…
A fellow political operative wisely opined on Facebook recently that opponents of President Trump are talking (and fighting) a lot of tactics and not a lot about overall strategy and achievable, consensus goals. What, he mused, are our goals? First, let’s be realistic about the landscape: The Republicans control the Read more…
Politicians live in a world of competing interests from thousands of different constituents. Effective activists – from the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Gay Marriage advocates – know that to rise to the top and be taken seriously, they must build political relationships and capital, and maintain credibility. Read more…